Former soldier Matt Venables has given up his time to restore a tribute to one of Stoke-on-Trent's most famous sons.

The 40-year-old noticed that the concrete Spitfires cast into the embankment by Reginald Mitchell Way, in Sandyford, were looking worse for wear.

So, having recently set up his own exterior cleaning business, he decided he would bring the two planes back to their former glory.

Matt, who grew up in Biddulph, said: "On many occasions I drove past the Spitfire monuments. I've always thought what a shame they were in such a bad run down state.

"As an ex-soldier I'm seriously proud of this country's history and what our grandparents and their generation did for us in the wars, so I wanted to bring them back to how they should be."

Matt Venables on the newly restored concrete Spitfire

Matt spent six years in the Staffordshire Regiment – 1 Battalion from the age of 17, serving mainly in Northern Ireland.

After leaving the Army he moved to Stafford and now lives in Cannock, but regularly returns to Biddulph – via Reginald Mitchell Way – to see his family.

Having worked as a lorry driver, he decided to set up his exterior and carpet cleaning business Brighter Image so he could spend more time with his four-year-old daughter.

He said: "At first I was just going to turn up and clean the Spitfires, but I was advised to contact Stoke-on-Trent City Council first. They said it was fine as long as I provided proof of insurance and a risk assessment for the job, which I did.

"The response I've had to cleaning them has been amazing. People were beeping and giving the thumbs up while I was doing the clean, and when I posted the pictures on my Facebook page the response was unbelievable.

"I'm proud and happy that everyone can appreciate them again properly."

Matt hard at work cleaning one of the Spitfires

Now Matt is planning to clean up the 230ft long Walrus seaplane – also designed by Butt Lane-born Reginald Mitchell – which features on the embankment further down the road.

He has pledged to return every year to keep the monuments in good condition.

Win Haddrell, from Hanford – secretary of the North Staffordshire Normandy Veterans' Association – welcomed Matt's efforts. She said: "I think it's absolutely brilliant he's done this. All these monuments should be kept in good condition as a mark of respect."

Facebook users have also heaped praise on Matt's work after he posted photos on the site. Mark Walters wrote: "Keeping our great past present today. Well done on a great job."

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The Spitfire and Walrus monuments, by artist Magnus Irvin, were unveiled in 1996 following the completion of Reginald Mitchell Way – the first phase of the Tunstall Western By-pass.

Councillor Anthony Munday, cabinet member for greener city, development and leisure, said: "It is a really public-spirited gesture of Matt to do this. The artworks are a tribute to one of our city's greatest innovators and they look fantastic.

"Council crews are out seven days a week litter picking, tidying and improving our city. Stoke-on-Trent is a place that we can all be proud of to live in, and everyone has a role to play in keeping our streets and communities clean and tidy."